Zay'Geis continued, “Boone, look at me. Please?” Boone did. “I know what happened on the Sim-Sa Gale. I know what you’re thinking.”
“Doc,” he replied. “I can’t handle that kind of life anymore. You’re gonna tell me I’m doing ‘His’ work, great things happen because of it, all of this trouble, these evil things, they all mean something. I have tried to listen to Him; I don’t hear anything. I do all of these good things and none of it matters.”
“Boone,” Lorin muttered as she tightened her grip on his hand. He pulled away from her. She wanted to add her thoughts to the conversation.
Boone continued as he wiped a small tear. “I help people, I get in trouble. I do good things, I’m hated and… and… stabbed for it? I’m lied about? No. I can’t do it anymore. They almost killed me.”
“I hear what you say. Now, listen to me.” Boone bowed his head again, altered his course and headed toward Karkavon. “Boone?” Zay'Geis asked again. He finally looked at him. “Right now, you are feeling sorry for yourself.”
Boone glared at him. “What? I am not!”
“Why do people kill, and loot cargo ships, and steal, and destroy cities?” Boone winced from the reminder. “It’s because a lot of people are evil and their hearts are set against everyone because they only want for themselves. They only care about themselves. They are selfish! They will take what’s yours if they can and if you get hurt by it, they don’t care. Those people just don’t care about other people. Boone, you ‘do’ care about other people. That’s why you are so giving and fighting those who want to destroy.” Zay'Geis sighed. “It is a very heated battle! It’s costly! You know all about that. Right?”
Boone nodded his head in agreement. He had lost a lot – he had been estranged from his parents well over eight years, shot several times defending pirates and raiders from stealing, left for dead on a small moon, attacked by space gunners while trying to protect small convoys of cargo ships, attacked by Nanos, and stabbed. And they were the ones he could think of off the top of his head. He hated it and he wanted to leave it all.
“Yeah,” Boone muttered with disgust in his remark.
“Are you quitting? Are you going to let someone else fight your battles?”
“My battles? Why are they ‘my’ battles? Why am I even involved? And you can’t say it’s because God wants it. If He was involved, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Zay'Geis glared at him. He folded his arms across his chest and shook his head from side to side in disgust. Boone’s eyes widened as he realized he said something wrong.
“What?” he asked as he flung his arms.
“Boone!” Zay'Geis blared. “Why are you ‘in this mess’ in the first place? Why are you headed back to Kova? What did you do?”
Boone sighed. He rested his arms on the armrests of the cockpit chair. He nervously flexed his fingers and tapped. He nodded his head, understanding.
“Fine,” he said. “I did something on Kova. I killed some people, in self-defense.” Lorin and Terra immediately gazed and became very concerned. Boone was confiding in Zay'Geis.
“And?” Zay'Geis asked, wanting to hear it all. “You ‘are’ planning on telling this to Kova. Correct?”
Boone nodded. “Two people, Zay'Geis. A diplomat and his assistant? I don’t know what you call them. Secretary?”
Zay'Geis nodded, Lorin went into her read of Boone to see if he would speak the truth, and Terra was wide-eyed, realizing she could now be called as a witness against him should he continue to confess. She sat quietly, desperately wanting to hear the story.
“They were trying to kill my friends and be forgiven for it the very next day. I stopped them! And I wasn’t sorry about it.”
“I see,” Zay'Geis muttered. He believed him. “So, what did you do next?”
Boone bowed his head, grimaced, and sighed loudly. “I had to destroy the evidence. It would have been the word of Pereon diplomats against Mace’s and my word. Then we left Kova. We hid.”
Zay'Geis nodded and said, “Boone, I wish you had not left Kova. You should have immediately reported it and trusted the Kovan Council.”
Boone glared at him. “Huh? What? Are you insane? That would have surely been the end of us.”
“Aren’t you the one to always say people should do the right thing? Don’t you say that a lot?” Boone nodded with a guilty smirk. “You didn’t do the right thing that day and I think you have been paying for it all this time. This whole matter is about your integrity. Don’t you think the Father wants you to do what’s right? Don’t you think the Father has been calling you to go back there and make things right? Boone, do you hear Him calling you back?”
Their eyes locked; Zay'Geis’ stare was powerful. The old scientist seemed much wiser though he looked the opposite. His short dark hair was tasseled from working in his garden, his soiled face suggested he had been perspiring, and he seemed somewhat exhausted. Boone’s heart melted. His tears came quickly and he wiped them away quickly. Zay'Geis had now become a father figure to him and Boone resigned himself to listen and do what Zay'Geis was asking. It was true, Boone wanted to return to Kova and fix things since the day he left. But, he refused to listen to the voice in his heart and in his mind and tried to drown it out with doing good things.
“I can see why the Father has called you into this… this life of battle amongst the stars.”
“Huh?” Boone asked as he wiped tears. “I can hardly see anything right now.”
They both chuckled as did Lorin and Terra. Everyone started to feel at ease as they all sensed Boone was resigning to face the consequences on Kova and maybe even believe the Father of the Heavens had much to do with it.
“Boone,” Zay'Geis tenderly and boldly exclaimed. “The Father has been calling you for some time, now. I wish you had the integrity and conviction to serve Him.”
“What?” Boone asked. “I can’t believe He would want anything from me after everything that happened. Why do you keep saying that? Why does He want to use me?”
“Because your heart is tender. Because you care and you understand what is right and what is wrong and you choose to do what is right in spite of the many problems, and trials, and adversity, you are a rare find. Your heart is in the right place for the Father to use. You’re an exception. Believe it! And please, Boone? Go to Kova and most of all, trust Him! Follow Him! Listen to Him! I truly believe He will show you the way.”
Boone shook his head back and forth in disbelief. He smirked then he nodded to him. “OK, but I hate this feeling. The whole universe is against me right now.”
Lorin grabbed his hand, “No. You’re not alone. We are with you.”
“Yes, Boone,” Terra added. “Stop saying that. You have a team who believes in you and loves you.”
Zay'Geis added, “Boone, that is all you need, and the Father, of course.”
“I hope so because Doc, I am going to need some miracles.”
Chapter 10
Meanwhile, in the 6th star system, the High Guard Command Center on the planet Xeraxes received a direct order from the Court of Primes - infiltrate and capture the queen’s compounds on the nearby planet, Isoter. It was the very same compound that launched fourteen gunners to intercept the Obipherion investigator, Terra Je’en and her companion, Pryce Caperstone – so the month-old report stated. The compound on Isoter was also believed to be the base of operations for the queen’s Axeon rebel, Cumi-Bak Suna. Cumi-Bak Suna and her starship, the Vacusius Zephyr was destroyed by Boone Nova and his team over a month ago. The Court of Primes was just now taking action.
The squadron of High Guard attack ships received the order and launched from Xeraxes’ capital city, Xerek Central. The designated squadron of stealthy guard attack ships dispatched for the mission, thirty-nine in all, were dark brown with yellowish pin-striping. Their designation was called Rumble Group.
Rumble Leader, a strong fearless man with much experience, led the group of thirty-nine ships into orbit – thirty-two
guard attack ships and seven Interplanetary Class 2 gunships. Each of the seven Interplanetary Class 2 gunships carried a dozen soldiers, each carrying phaser rifles, night vision helmets, and phase-armored gear. The assault group consisted of eighty-four soldiers. They anticipated confronting a large force, as the compound was great in size, and they had every intention of overpowering the queen’s rebels.
They exited the orbit of Xeraxes and headed for the planet Isoter. The eighteen-hour flight would no doubt be noticed by the queen’s monitoring stations. They had no expectation of surprise.
…
As everyone waited for Terra and Lorin to bring Boone and the Night Star back to the royal estate, Jok entertained his unique guests, Idal and Jeody. The news concerning Idal’s discoveries was very disheartening. Idal hovered around the two of them, wearing her dark blue investigator’s jacket while repeating the incriminating sentences. As Jeody handed over the sensitive data, there was no mistaking the distinct voices Idal recorded. Jeody pointed out the most incriminating conversations and data sent and received. Certain parts of the communiqué detailed parts of the queen’s plan for Obipherion. Jok immediately recognized one particular message sent to a man named, Janek. He gasped and realize he himself would have to deal with Janek alone, Boone had his hands full. Jok secured all the information and consulted his chief investigator. Jok was very disturbed by it all. Jeody and Idal left the estate with a hefty reward.
The Night Star returned to Karkavon and landed on the highly guarded royal tarmac well before sunset. Boone met with the 5th prime while Pryce, Terra, and Mace prepared for the trip to Kova.
Lorin had some hard questions for Phia, questions that demanded immediate answers. She summoned Phia to a quiet corner - she had important business to take care of before their long journey to Kova. She studied every facial expression Phia made. Phia, just like Boone, was very easy to read. In fact, for Lorin, enjoyable. Lorin quickly and with great eagerness, entered her read of Phia. Phia noticed the concern on Lorin’s face.
“Phia, remember that first day? Boone and the Nanos? You apprehended him. Remember our chat?”
“Yes, Ma’am. I remember it all very well. It was all very stressful!”
“Yes! Stressful because we, and I mean mostly Boone, was battling a lot of accusations, threats, and lies!” Phia nodded and listened, knowing the royal lady was about to make a point and it was not going to be a good one. “Phia, we had several long talks that day. I told you I was looking for a truth-talker. Remember?”
“Yes,” she answered and sighed. “I know. We need to find the truth.”
“You weren’t truthful with me, Phia!” she exclaimed with disgust in her voice. Phia became saddened as Lorin pointed out her lies and mistakes. “I asked you if knew the Commander, you lied. I asked you for information about Boone, you hid it. I asked you what you were going to do with him, you lied to me about that, too.”
Lorin rested and waited for an answer. Phia stared at the floor, despondent and very ashamed. She wiped a small tear away.
She lifted her head and said, “Ma’am, I am very sorry. Yes, I lied and I hid things from you but I hid them from everyone. I knew what Boone did and I was determined to hear his side of the story. I was supposed to report back to my father but I needed the whole truth, first. Please? Don’t be disappointed in me. I had to have all the truth, all the story before I did anything about Boone.”
“Hmm,” Lorin muttered. “That’s strange! Because I thought you were an investigator. Oh, that’s right, you lied about that, too.” Lorin forced a small smile and changed her tone. “Phia, I have one question for you and I want the truth. Can you do that?”
“Yes! Absolutely!”
“Ha. We’ll see. If you ‘were’ an appointed investigator, and you did find Boone on Coffman’s Ridge, why didn’t you immediately apprehend him and discover the truth?”
“Ma’am! The Nanos! I was going to but, but you saw what happened next. What was I to do?”
“Phia, you said you’d tell me the truth!”
She bowed her head and realized she could not hide the truth from the Lady of Obipherion. How she was able to discern between a truth, a lie, and half-truth was amazing.
She answered, “It’s difficult. Right now.”
“I know,” Lorin replied softly. She leaned forward and took her hand. She already knew the answers. “Phia, telling me the truth is not for my benefit. It’s for yours.”
“Huh?”
Lorin smiled. “I already know, Phia! I can see it!”
“You can? How?”
“Phia, please? You need to learn to be truthful with others. If you don’t, they will never know who you really are and they will never really trust you. Is that what you want?”
“Ma’am, I didn’t apprehend Boone, uh, I gave him the benefit of the doubt because, Ma’am, I wanted Boone to be innocent. I didn’t want to discover he was guilty.”
“Because?”
“Because I like him. A lot.”
“What happened on Kova? When you investigated him?”
She chuckled. “I was distracted and foolish.”
Lorin nodded. “You will have to tell him. Everything.”
Phia glared at her, objecting to the idea. Lorin was gently nodding. Then Phia nodded. Afterward, they joined the others and prepared to leave for Kova.
…
Lincoln watched the monitor closely as several ships approached the Exoteric. They were two days away and that gave Lincoln plenty of time to research each one of the scheduled workers. Lincoln inspected the roster and carefully began to research each individual. He also thought it best to research the present crew of several hundred.
Codak carefully strolled the narrow corridors of the transport ship, ascertaining his surroundings. He attempted to inspect a guarded section but thought it best to keep his distance. He did, however, spy several stasis pods covered with black cloths. He surmised they were indeed the newest prisoners and it gave him some assurance he would find Kwelling, Luweena, and Ander.
…
Boone and his friends were working in the cargo bay of the Night Star. They were preparing to leave Obipherion when Jok, Lorin, and Phia slowly walked up the ramp of the Night Star and entered the cargo bay. Phia was ready to talk to Boone. Boone had a disappointed look on his face. He could only think about her lies and deception. She walked up to him and stood before him. Everyone wondered if Boone and Phia were going to discuss her many lies. They anticipated an all-out verbal brawl.
But at the time, Phia could only think about Boone’s care and grace and concern for her father. She was in full-blown tears.
She cried and stuttered, “Boone, I can’t believe what you did for my father.”
The words never came as she was overwhelmed with emotion. She threw her arms around him and buried her head in his strong neck. She sobbed. Boone returned her embrace and looked at the others.
“Thank you for not sending him away,” she cried. “I believe anyone else would have.”
She let go of him, stepped back, and wiped the tears. She gazed at him with wonder. She quickly flipped her long blond hair off her shoulders and nervously shook her head. She blew out a loud sigh.
“I don’t understand. He hates you, he lied about you, and he tried to blame you for Copiannis. I could not believe my ears when Captain Eisen told us what you wanted. I don’t understand.”
Her gaze and question demanded an answer. Boone said, “Phia, truth. What I did for your ‘father’ was all about getting to the truth. I want to know why he hates me. I want to know why he tried to hurt me. I know Zayne was the one who took it too far but I need to know what’s going on with your dad.”
She nodded. The others stepped closer and listened closely. Jok smiled and placed his hand on Boone’s shoulder as a gesture indicating he did the right thing. Jok approved.
Phia continued, “Yes, well, I know some things. He told me about your father.” Boone glared. Everyone watched his
reaction. “Can we sit down?”
They all found a seat amongst the items in the cargo bay. Some were fairly clean but some were dirty. Mace and Pryce wiped some of the items clean with just their hands. They didn’t mind getting dirty, they were about to hear some things about the Commander and Finn Nova. Jok continued to stand next to his favorite space traveler. He was smiling.
“Our fathers worked together on several occasions. Did you know that?”
“No!”
Jok added, “Obipherion, well, I should say I,” he said as he glanced at Lorin, “was one of two star systems that ushered in the peace for all seven systems.” Everyone nodded. “Hence, Commander J’Dar and your father worked together in the early stages of the unification project. Back then we had no name for it, we just wanted the spatial battles and skirmishes to stop.”
Pryce said, “We all know Kova and Obipherion were the only two systems that were really considered friendly with the other systems.”
Mace added, “Yeah, except for raiders and pirates.”
Phia continued, “Your father even made trips to Obipherion escorting the Kovan Council in discussions about ending the battles and skirmishes.”
“Wars,” Mace blared.
“Yes,” Phia replied. “Planetary wars. So, my father discovered he was to be appointed to one of the key positions in the new High Guard. That was because Obipherion wanted to end the wars. Well,” she said as she gazed at Boone. "Boone, your father was offered a key position as well. Kova also wanted peace and your father was going to be appointed to a key position in the High Guard.”
Lorin added, “That would be an assignment to command a battlecruiser? They were to be the peacekeepers?”
Jok nodded then everyone nodded. Phia said, “Boone, your father refused the appointment. He told them the unification would not work and the planets should rule themselves. He didn’t want to give up his Kovan Defense Force status and become a High Guard officer. He left. I guess your father and my father had words.”
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